The nevve and admirable arte of setting of corne with all the necessarie tooles and other circumstances belonging to the same: the particular titles whereof, are set downe in the page following.

The new found Arte of setting of Corne .

CHAP. 1. How this inuention began .

HEere I maie rather probablie coniecture then certainly determine howe this new conceit in setting of graine began . Happily some silly wench hauing a fewe cornes of wheate , mixed with some other seed , and being carelesse of the worke shee had in hand , might nowe and then in steed of a Raddish or Carret seede , let fall a wheate corne into the ground , which after braunching it selfe into many eares , and yeelding so great encrease , gaue iust occasion of some farther triall . Peraduenture the great and rich fertillitie that doth vsually happen in the setting of beanes and pease , might stirre vp some practising wit or other to make the like experience in wheate and barley . Or who knoweth whether that Enigmatical marriage betweene Bacchus and Ceres so closely couched in such figuratiue termes by Iohan. Baptista Porta , in his Magia naturalis in the perclose of his title , de nouis plantis producendis , might giue some light vnto this new and late inuention of ours . And lastly , I haue beene credibly enformed that this manner of pricking in of corne , hath by the publike impression of an ancient writer ( whose name I cannot yet obtaine ) euen in plaine and naked termes beene long since discouered and manifested to the view of each reader . But it shall not greatly skill from whence this profitable deuise had his first beginning ( although for the honour of my countrie , I could wish the same were fronted with the name and title of an English Authour ) and that as it hath pleased the great God of heauen in his vnspeakeable mercie and loue , and in these times of dearth and penurie , to offer a most plentifull encrease of our best nourishing , Manna vnto vs : so that wee may in all dutifull manner , with one heart and voice together , giue all thankes , honour , and praise vnto so great and bountiful a benefactor , whose name is glorious in the heauens , and whose mightie power extendeth it selfe ouer the face of the whole earth , cui laus in saecula saeculorum . Amen .

CHAP. 2. The reason why Corne doth shoote vp into so many eares rather by setting then sowing .

THe consideration hereof may well deserue to be handled in the second place , in my opinion , both quia turpe est Philosopho quidquam sine ratione proferre , as Tully holdeth : and also for that it is a principall motiue to stirre vp a number of drowsie wittes to the practise hereof ; who not as yet finding or conceiting any sensible reason for the same , are rather content with the fly-bitten and leane iades , to liue or starue vpon the bare common , then by seeking out of better pasture , to gather more flesh vpon their backes , and to grow in better liking in the sight of all that shall behold them . Such winter Corne then as is vsually sowne before or about Alhallownetide , in my poore reason , must of necessitie loose a great part of his generatiue vertue , and radicall humiditie , both by the extreme nipping of the colde Northren and Easterly winds , and the bitter frosts and hayle , together with the great aboundance of the colde rayny showers , which in the Winter season doe so plentifully attach and fall vppon the Grayne , lying then eyther naked and bare to all weather , or verie slenderly clothed with a poore and thinne garment , not able suffientlie to defende the inwarde and secrete fire of nature , from such outward and piercing enemies ; yea , though it haue taken roote , and gotten some head before this boysterous weather doe happen , yet by reason that the roote is shallowe , and hath taken so slender holde in the grounde , eyther the inward Balsamum is washed awaie with moysture , or nipped with extreme colde , that it cannot possiblie send forth so manie spiring stalkes and eares as naturallie it would ; besides , the earth being full of clods , and not sufficientlie broken into a fyne moulde with the Plough , the Corne cannot so easilie and plentifully by this attractiue nature drawe for his owne nourishment such store of that vegetatiue salt from the earth , as it desireth ; the vertue and strength whereof is more at large handled in my Booke of husbandry , printed Anno 1594. and in that learned discourse of M. Bernard Palissie , in his Booke intituled , Des eaux & Fonteines . But on the other side , when as the cornes of wheate shall ly so deepe within their true and naturall bed , euen their owne mothers belly , the earth being made so hollow & open with the spade , whereby they may also draw sufficient nourishment at their pleasure , then are all these outwarde and iniurious stormes of haile and raine , so sufficiently defended by this armour of proofe , as that the corne hauing his true and naturall putrifaction ( being not performed without the helpe of a kindly heate ) doth afterwards in his due season bring forth that infinite multiplication , whereof we haue had so many and rich experiments of late , farre beyond all the hopes and haruests of all our predecessors .

CHAP. 3. The manner of digging and laying of the arable grounds in this new practise .

WHen and how to digge , weed , or trench your grounds with the spade , is a matter so triuial and well knowne already to euerie countrie Coridon , as that I hold it not a fit subiect for a Scholers penne , and therefore here I must referre you to those beaten pathes , wherein euerie simple Gardener hath walked a long time : onely the depth of digging , and true laying of the ground , seemes to be materiall in this our new kind of husbandry . Some in this late practise , by their experience commend the breaking vp of the ground a foote and a halfe deepe , and some two foote , and some but one foote ; but in my opinion since that , three , or foure , or fiue inches at the most is a sufficient depth for the corne to lie in , I see no reason but that eight or twelue inches more , is a depth sufficient for the corne to roote in . This being graunted , then shall you haue this farther benefite ensuing , that at the next breaking vp and digging of your grounde , you shall turne vppe such moulde , as hath not spent his strength in the former croppe , the fruite whereof you shall find in the next haruest . And heere I must of necessitie acknowledge that M. Tauerner in his Booke of Experiments , concerning Fish and Fruit , being of this yeares date , hath bereaued mee of one of my best obseruations in Orchard groundes , the ignorance whereof I hold to bee one of the speciall and principall causes that so many of our English Orchards do neuer yeeld fruite answerable to our charge and trauell : the secret whereof is this brieflie . Euerie ground hath naturallie an vpper crust of earth , which by the liuelie and viuifying heate of the Sunne , the comfortable nature of the Aire , together with the congelatiue part of the raine ( for so M. Bernard Palissie termeth it , being the first Author of a fift element ) which often falleth vpon the ground , is made more rich and fruitefull than all the residue of the earth besides , which vpper crust in some ground is a foot , in some two , and in some three foot deepe , and in some not aboue halfe a foot . And vnder the same vpper crust is eyther a hote chalke , a drie sand , a barren grauell , or a cold leane claie or lome , or such like . It is therefore requisite that you set your young trees in such sort , as that the rootes may runne and spreade within that vpper crust : and if you set them deeper , they may happily grow , but neuer bring forth fruit in any plentifull manner : nay , though the earth should consist of one and the selfe same veine , and of one colour and nature in shewe , yet because the Sun doth not giue his impression nor digestion vnto the earth , but to a certaine depth ( which I guesse not much to exceede two foote ) you shall finde that all the rest of the mould vnder that depth wil be leane and hungrie , not hauing anie strength or fatnes in it . And this is the reason why such earth as hath beene digged out of vaultes and Cellers , not hauing receiued anie life or comfort from the Sunne beames , though of neuer so blacke and rich moulde in outward apparance , if it be spread vpon garden grounds , doth make them vtterly barren and vnfruitfull . That which is heere spoken of Orchard groundes , I would haue all wise and skilfull husband-men to applie also to their Corne groundes , that in anie case they neuer digge deeper with the Spade , then the strength of the ground will beare , and so by their ignorance discredite a work and practise of so great expectation . Now concerning the laying of your groundes , eyther in ridges and furrowes , or in a declining leuell , whereby the raine maie haue a sufficient conueyance , after they haue once receiued their due moisture from the cloudes : this resteth in the discretion of the husbandman , who best knoweth the moisture or drynesse of his owne groundes , and accordingly may giue such a current vnto them , as may best fit the seueral natures of each ground or soyle . And heere I may not omit that ease and speed in breaking vp of groundes , which some of our late practisers haue found out , by making the first entrance with a deepe cutting plough , and then pursuing the same with the spade , whereby much charge , labour , and expence of time is auoided .

CHAP. 4. The seuerall instruments for making the holes for the graine , and couering them .

IT is an olde saying , that handes were made before kniues : and I doubt not , but the same may aswell be verified in tooles . For to my rememberance , the first man that euer attempted the setting of corne , made the first holes with his finger . But this course being afterwards found to be very long and tedious , an instrument was deuised , hauing many teeth or pinnes , like a rake , with a staffe fastened in the middest of the backside thereof , which being thrust into the ground , did at one instant make twelue or twentie holes more or lesse , according to the number of teeth or pinnes therein . Afterwardes this toole was also disliked , as not making sufficient riddance of ground , and in place thereof a boord of three foote or thereabout in length , and twelue or ten inches in breadth , was thought vpon , hauing diuers holes boared therein , according to such distance as euery particular man best fansied , through each of which holes a wodden dibber or pinne was thrust into the ground , being of the bignesse of ones finger , and of three or foure inches in length , hauing a shoulder or hole with a crosse pin , to keepe one selfe same certaintie in the depth of each hole . The last deuise that as yet hath come to my view ( but now reiected , because in the drawing out of so many pinnes the holes doe choake ) is a boord of the same largenes with the former , driuen full of round pinnes of three or foure inches deepe within the boord , and placed each from other in equall distance by a true proportion , which at one impression maketh so many receptacles for the corne , as there bee pinnes in the boord . These boords are directed by a Gardiners line , first strained to some reasonable length , or by the eye , and thereby a straight course is kept in the setting . When each hole hath receiued a corne , then must you rake ouer the ground to fill vp those holes with earth againe : and during all the time of setting and raking , you must stand or kneele vpon one of your boords , which you must remoue from place to place , as your setting and raking from time to time requires .

Heere for the satisfaction of the simple , I haue thought good also to set downe the length of your boordes , together with the true boaring of them betweene each hole : and therefore if you haue fiue inches distance , then may you in a boord of ten inches broad make two rowes of holes , the first and last hole being two inches and a halfe from each side , and if the length thereof be two foote and eleuen inches , then may it well containe two rowes of holes , hauing seuen holes in euerie rowe , the first and last hole being distant from each end two inches and a halfe : and when the ends or sides of two such boords so bored , shall bee laid together , they will make a true continuance of one selfe same skantling and distance of fiue inches through all your workes : if you worke vpon foure inches , then leaue at each side and end of your boord two inches : and so in a boord of three foote in length , and one foote in breadth , you shall haue nine holes in each row one way , and three holes the other way .

And it is to be remembred that euerie two workemen ( whereof the one maketh the holes , and the other setteth the graine ) must haue two boords to work vpon : and yet some be of opinion , that one man may performe both the works .

CHAP. 5. At what depth and distance your corne must be set .

I Haue beene enformed that the obseruation of three inches deepe , and three inches distance , hath brought forth 30. quarters of wheat vpon one acre of ground , and that foure inches in depth , and foure in distance hath yeelded but twentie quarters : happily the ground or the seede corne might make the difference . Some speake of fiue inches deep and fiue in distance , with exceeding great encrease : the true finding out of which proportions may easily be obtained by seuerall trials made at seuerall depths and distances together , at one time , and in one selfe same peece of ground . Only heere I must remember you of that which was spoken of before , in the title of digging , chap. 3. that concerning the depth , you must haue an especiall care , that your seed may lie within the rich crust of the earth , and that his bed wherein he lyeth , may also bee of the same goodnesse , or else the plough will discredite the spade .

CHAP. 6. Whether it be good to fill the holes with common earth , and to prepare the seed before it be set .

IF the ground be a rich and kindly wheate ground , you shall find a sufficient increase by filling them vp with their owne proper mould : for so haue the greatest and most vsuall trials beene hitherto made alreadie ; yet some pregnant wits , desirous to exault nature to the highest degree of perfection , haue attempted the filling vp of those holes both with Pigeons dung , sheeps dung , and cow dung , and such like , but with no good successe at all , quaere if this dung had been first rotted into perfect earth and then bestowed . Neither doe I see any reason in fat and lustie grounds , why any further encrease should bee sought for then hath been found already , for that the earth is not able to carrie a greater burthen , then she hath borne of late by these vsuall practises which haue been made . But in barren and spent grounds , it were greatly to be wished , that by some artificiall and cheape meanes , a plentifull croppe of corne might be had and obtained . For the better furtherance whereof , I leaue these few conceits to the fauorable consideration of those , whose farmes are greater then mine , and haue had more familiar conference with nature then my selfe , referring them also farther both vnto the literall and secret sence of my booke of Husbandrie before mentioned . And here I thinke it not amisse to cite in the first place that learned and poeticall Husbandman , who in his first booke of his Georgickes hath these Hexamiters .

Semina vidi equidem multos medicare serentes Et nitro prius , & nigra perfundere amurca : Grandior vt foetus siliquis fallacibus esset , Et quamuis igni exiguo * * Citò coquerentur . properata maderent ; Vidi laeta diu & multo * * Probata . spectata labore Degenerare tamen : ni vis humana quotannis , Maxima quaeque manu legeret , &c.

Here we see Salniter and the mother or Lees of oyle commended : but whether Virgill doe meane a steeping or imbibition of the graine in the Lees of oyle , wherein there hath beene a solution of Niter , or the corne onely sprinkled ouer with them both in the setting ; it is left to the consideration of the reader . But howsoeuer he intend the same , our countrie doth neither afforde store of Niter , nor yet of Amurca , to performe many ( if any ) acres therewith ; and though it did , yet would it proue a worke of greater charge and trouble ( as I suppose ) then would be endured : vnlesse it were in some small practise , and for the triall of a magisterie , or vpon some richer seede then wheat , which in lesse quantity would proue more profitable then any ordinary graine , whereof there are some fewe of English breede , if I bee not deceiued .

But now let vs leaue Virgill to his poeticall vaine , and let vs come to that glorious Neapolitaine Iohan. Baptista Porta , who expecteth a generall applause of the whole world , for his last and learned booke of Magia naturalis ( as in his preface to the reader , by a recapitulation of all his infinite readings , charges , and conferences with the greatest clarkes of his time , he would intimate vnto vs ) and washing our eyes first in Eyebright water , let vs see whether we are able to pierce and penetrate into these thicke and foggie clowdes of skill , which he hath in so many close and figuratiue termes ( as willing to vaunt of his owne wit , but vnwilling to benefit others ) so strangely deliuered vnto vs . I finde in the latter end of his third booke , entituled de nouis plantis producendis , and ouer the 21. chapter , this superscription .

Quomodo fruges satis amplo foenore exsatu colligamus , & è vineis vinum .

Whereupon he discourseth in manner following : Vt luculentam , satisque exoptatam coronidem huic nostro libro imponeremus , docebimus quomodo frumentacea , & legumina satis amplo foenore è satu colligamus , & è vineis vinum . Res profecto immensae vtilitatis , vt ex vno modio plus centuplo proueniat . Sed ne quis , quod centuplum plus accipiet , dixerim , putet velim hunc exactum modiorum numerum ex vno sato collecturum : nam anno , coelo , solo , & syderibus renuentibus , minor erit collectio , sed non tam minor , quin quintuplo vsitatum non superet ; at his fauentibus , ex vno modio centeni quinquageni reddentur . Sed pollicitatio haec nostra aliquibus paradoxum videbitur , sed si sanae mentis essent , maximum profecto videri deberet paradoxum , cur ex sato semodio ducentos modios non recipiamus , quum ex sato , & concepto acino , videamus radicem in multiplices & numerosos culmos fructificare , plus minus quindecim , & in spica sexaginta grana contineri ? mitto Byzacij Africae solum Plinij , quod vno grano quadringenta paucis minus germina miserit , misitque ex eo loco procurator Neroni CCCXL . stipulas ex vno grano . Sed causam venemur , vnde id accidere possit . Sunt qui dicant id euenire , quod pars maior iacti frumenti ex volucribus , talpis , vermibus , alijsque subterraneis animalibus deuoretur . Sed id falsum arguitur , quod ex sato lupini modio non plus minus quindecim recipiuntur , quin lupinum impunè iaceat derelictum , ab omnibus animalibus sua ingrata amaritudine tutum , & suis in thecis , vaginulisque plus minus centum grana contineantur . Sunt alij , qui id eoelo ascribant , frigorum , calorumque iniurijs , vel imbrium frequentijs , vt nunc torpeant gelu arua , nunc siti infestentur , nunc in herbarum copiam luxurient , nunc macie intabescant ; sed hoe falsum congruit argumentum , quod exmaximo coelifauore , neque ex vno triceni redduntur . Sed ne latius euagemur , dicimus non omnia spicae & vaginulae grana nasci , nam alia Deus ad escam animalium , alia adsemen destinauit . Sunt in spicis grana ; quasi abortus & degeneres foetus , quae non foeticant sed desciscunt in vitium . Sunt quae è glumis in spicis emicant habitiora , quae ad propagationem producuntur . Praeterea nec debito tempore seruntur , destituunturque debito agricolarum opere : vnde si his obuiabimus ; omnia ex voto succedent . Semina enim prolixioribus radicibus implexis , longè latéque sub tellure serpentibus , numerosiores culmos deproment , circumundique spicis vallatis . Sponsa ergo suo viro ducatur , non ex primis vel vltimis natis sed è medijs , quia imbecilles sunt , ac balneo secreta & vnguentis delibuta & pingui depasta caprarum veterum Vulcano , & Baccho associata cubile molle , & optimè stratum calefiat : viuifico enim calore in amicam naturam coeunt , & dulcioribus amplexibus stringuntur & haerent . Sic animata viro semina , non degenerem , sed legitimam prolem donent . Suo foecundo lumine Luna praesit , nam ferax feracem reddit , id restat praemonendum , vxorem Baccho ducendam non capillis destitutam , nam suo decore capite destituto spernitur à viro sponsa , neque haberet , quo noxia purgarentur , sed solum cincinnis orbetur ; sic enim minus compta , plus suo placebit & viro . Which for the better vnderstanding of such as are no Latinists , I haue thought good to translate into our naturall language , as followeth .

How by setting and planting of Corne or vines ; a great and plentifull encrease may be had .

That now at length , according to mine own desire , I may shut vp this booke of plantes with a most famous and renowmed conclusion , I will heere declare how all kinde of corne and pulse , together with the vines themselues shall recompence all our labours with great encrease . A matter without all question of singular profite , to receiue more then an hundred bushels for one . But least I bee mistaken in this great proportion , I would not haue any man to thinke , that I doe heere set downe anie exact number of bushels , from which nature can at no time varie : for if the yeare , the heauens , and the ground it selfe , together with the fatall influence of the starres , doe all conspire together , the number of our bushels will fall short , but neuer so short , but that they will by fiue degrees exceede the accustomed yeeld . But if all these concurre and affoord their seuerall fauours , then may we wel expect 150. bushels of one . But this proud promise of ours may happily seeme a paradox vnto some , vnto whom , if they were of any sound & sharpe iudgement , it should rather seeme a greater paradoxe , why halfe a bushell should not rather giue 200. hundred bushels againe , when as we doe often see , that one corne being set and well rooted , doth stemme vp into diuers stalkes , yea sometimes to the number of fifteene , more or lesse , each eare also containing threescore cornes within it . I doe heere omit to speake of Bizatium , that fruitfull ground of Africa , whereof Plinie maketh mention , where out of one corne foure hundred stalkes did braunch : and the Gouernour of that place did also send to Nero 240. stemmes arising from one graine . But let vs seeke out and hunt after the true reason hereof . Some be of opinion , that the cause why the same fertilitie doth not happen in our vsuall and ordinarie manner of sowing , is , for that a great part of the seede which is sowne , is deuoured by the foules of the ayre , by Moles , wormes and other creeping creatures within the ground . But this is manifestlie disproued in the sowing of Lupines , whereas seldome we do reape little more or lesse then fifteene bushels for one , although the same be so bitter a kinde of pulse , that none of all these deuouring creatures will once touch it , but lieth safe within his hose , each codde containing much about an hundred graines : some attribute the same vnto the heauens , and the iniuries arising of heate , colde , and continuall showres of raine , that doe often happen ; so as sometimes the grounds are benummed with frosts , and sometimes parched with heat , somtime they make a rich & fertile shew , and sometimes they wither and waxt barren ; but all this is easilie conuinced . For that admitting that the heauens doe afford all their fauourable influences at once , yet doe wee scarce obtaine at any time thirtie for one . But now to come neerer to our purpose , we doe affirme that each corne that is found within the eare is not apt to grow , for God hath created some of them for the foode of liuing creatures , and some for seede corne . There be in euery eare certaine abortiue and bastardlie cornes , which will neuer fructifie , but become vtterly vnprofitable ; and in some eares there are cornes which are more beautifull to behold then the rest , which nature hath ordained for propagation . Besides all this , the seed it selfe is not alwayes sowne by the husbandman in his due time , neither hath it all his due rites and ceremonies perfourmed . So that if we can meete with all these imperfections and errours , then will all good successe follow , according to our owne hearts desire . For the rootes being large in spreading vnder the ground , and each imbracing other in their manifold wreathings , will thereby send forth a greater number of stemmes , beset and garnished with eares on euerie side . For the better accomplishment whereof let the bridegrome make choice of such a wife as is of the middle sort , and not of the first or last borne , because they are of a weaker constitution , let them both goe into a warme bath , and there annointing themselues with sweete ointment , and with the fatte food of old Goates , being mixed with Bacchus and Vulcan ; let their soft and euen layd bed bee gently warmed : for by that viuifying heat they will vnite themselues in an amiable maner , and bee knit and ioyned together in most sweet and louing imbracements : and the seede being thus quickened by the powerfull heate of the man , will in the end bring forth a kindly , and no bastardly issue : Let the Moone be predominant with her prosperous light , for shee being fruitfull , will also make the same to fructifie the better . But yet I must admonish you of one thing more , that such a wife as is fitte for God Bacchus , must not bee bald and without haire , for so wanting the due ornament of her head , shee might happily be despised of her husband , neither should shee haue whereat to purge her owne excrements , onely let all curlings and perriwigs bee laid aside , that so being the more retchlesse in her attire , shee may seeme more pleasing and acceptable to her husband .

And what if all this mysticall marriage betweene God Bacchus and the Goddesse Ceres ( at the solemnization whereof onely Vuloan and Luna were present , as though neither Saturne , Iupiter , Mars , Sol , Venus , nor Mercury , nor the rest of that celestiall crewe were neither worthie to dine nor daunce at the Wedding ) what , I say , if all this great mysterie or Magisterie of nature , as Baptista Porta would haue it to appeare , bee nothing els but a soking of corne in wine , or in the new must thereof , before it bee set ? Might not this without the prophaning of Nature , or her sacred Maximes beene safely and without offence in plaine termes deliuered to the publike view of the worlde ? But let vs examine the particulars of this parable . The wife ( he saith ) must neither be of the first nor last , but taken out of the middest : and here , because hee shall be his owne expositor , I referre you to his secrete for enlarging of the Gourd , pag. 137. where he citeth these verses out of Columella ,

Siue globosi Corporis atque vtero nimium quae vasta tumescit Ventre legas medio , sobolem dabit illa capacem .

And this , saith Porta , is not onely to bee obserued in this plant , but in all others likewise , for those seedes which are contained within the middest of the bulke are more perfect themselues , and bring forth more perfect plants then those weake and imperfect ones , which occupie the outtermost places ; and so the graine , hee saith , in the middle of the eare bringeth forth a larger corne then those which growe in the toppe or bottome thereof .

Concerning the bath and ointment wherein Vulcan and Bacchus are vsed , I thinke he meaneth some fat temper made with cowdung or Goates dung , the older the better , moistened with wine or new must , whereby Bacchus is signified , in whom the secret fire and heate , which he holdeth , may also resemble Vulcan , vnder whose name fire is sometimes signified , as in that saying of Paracelsus , In Vulcano veritas : and in this compound , the goddesse Ceres is lapped before she be set into the ground ; or else the ground and mixture are after watered with wine , or else the corne is first steeped a certaine time in wine before the graine is bestowed in the earth : any of these constructions seeme probable , and to haue some affinitie with his figuratiue tearmes .

Her bed must bee very soft , and delicately made , whereby he doth manifestly insinuate the very digging with the spade , which worketh the mould into a most fine and subtill bodie : the warming of the bed , and those sweete collings and clippings together are intended to be wrought with the moistning heate of Bacchus . It seemeth also that he would haue this setting perfourmed in the increase , or toward the full of the Moone . The corne he would haue to bee set together with his chaffe about it , which he termeth the haire , whereby nature purgeth the excrement of the head , but not with the beard of the eare , which hath a curled kind of graine vpon it . Let this satisfie , that I haue aimed at the marke , the pinne being so farre off , and cleane out of sight . But what should we vexe our spirits in beating out the sense of this mysticall Latine , when as without all other circumstance , wee see that one corne pricked into the ground , bringeth forth eyght hundreth cornes at once , whereas Porta speaketh of two hundred only at the most , euen when heauen and earth doe all ioyne hand in hand together to helpe his inuention ? And who knoweth whether he mistake the reason of his owne conceite , for happily the mellownes of the ground being opened and broken with the spade , did of it selfe performe the great wonder which he writeth of , and then both Bacchus and Ceres , and Luna may haue Iacke Drums entertainment .

Now if I were also disposed to attire and disguise a plaine secret in his figuratiue robes , what a deepe and drunken riddle could I here set downe of steeping barley or wheat in new ale in cornes ( although I hold the wort , so it be of the first rap , to be much better ) for this doth seeme to be his owne naturall bath , whereby it should receiue a multiplying vertue in his owne kind ? I feare to prosecute this secret any farther in such Philosophicall termes , least some nouice in Alcumie should suppose that I doe goe about to vnfold and disclose the sacred materials and working of the Philosophers stone , and yet to speake in good sooth , I durst vndertake to perfourme as much with ale or beere as Bap. Porta shall doe with his sacke and sugar , or Claret wine and Limons , let him make his choice .

And because Virgil hath spoken of Niter , I haue though good also , as a Paralel to the same out of M. Bar. Googe his booke of Husbandrie , fol. 33. b. to sot downe the steeping of Beanes in the water wherein Salt Peter hath been dissolued , and why not other graine and pulse , as wel as Beanes ? And thus you haue Rome & Naples answered with Surrey and London , I pray God all may bring forth one good conclusion for our common-wealth of England .

But why should we spend these costly liquors that are fitter for Tauernes & Alehouses , then for rusticall imbibitions ? when as with common water and the dung of cattell , especially of Oxen , Kine , and Sheepe , or Pigeons dung ( wherof more quantity , with a great deale lesse charge ( being not much inferior in effects ) may so easily be had & obtained ) Then heare me with patience , & if I happen to slip , stay me with a friendly band , and so happily I may saue some of you from many a dangerous fall . There is a great opinion conceited , yea publikely maintained by good Authors in their seueral books about imbibition of corne in some fat and fructifying liquors ; but neither the strength of the liquors , the time of imbibition , nor the proportion between the liquor & graine , hath as yet bin thoroughly sounded , nay scarsely touched by any ; which three points I holde to be so materiall , ans that without the knowledge of them al in some good measure , nothing else but clamors against the writers , and errors in the practizers are like to ensue .

And first concerning the strength of your liquor vpon your dung , you cannot lightly erre , so as you let the same rest vpon a sufficient quantity thereof , vntill it haue gotten a deep colour , and a strong smel & sauour from his ingredient : as suppose you put two parts water to one third part of dung , suffering the same to infuse foure or fiue daies , and stirring the same once or twice euery day , till it haue gotten out all the hart & strength of the dung , or so much therof as the water is able to receiue ; them after some setling , strain this liquor through some course cloth , & if it will not run , then adde more water vnto it , for here your speciall care must be , that your liquor do not grow too thicke : after al this , let the same repose 12. or 24. houres , & then gently dreine away the cleere from the grounds or feticall residence , and so haue you a liquor sufficiently prepared to steep your corne in : & for the better performance hereof , you may boare a hole within an inch of the bottome of the vessel , or halfe an inch , according as you shal see the same to run cleere & not muddy into your receiuing vessel .

And as for the time of imbibition , it is a rule in naturall Philosophle , that euery thing hath his stomacke , which doth neuer leaue drawing & attracting vnto it selfe such matter as is apt for it , vntil it be glutted ; and then as being ouercharged , it loatheth and spueth out euen that which otherwise it most desireth : as it doth manifestly appeare in the stomacke of man , wherin by ouergorging it self a Nausea doth presently ensue . This is yet made more manifest in the art of dying , where , if in your blewes and greenes you worke with Indico , or in Stammels , Crimsons , Carnations or Scarlets , you worke with Greine or Kutcheneele , the cloth when it hath receiued his glut of colour , though neuer so often dipped after , wil nothing at al exalt it selfe in beautie or richnes of colour ; euen so it fareth with corne , after it hath imbibed so much liquor , as it can well beare and brooke without breaking of the hull , the is it time to dreine away the water : and yet wee see , that Pease , though they bee steeped till they sprowt a little , that they will grow notwithstanding , I leaue the aduenturing of wheate and barlie so farre vnto them , that list by often and manifold triall to search for the period of this practise .

Lastly , for the better finding out of a true proportion betweene the corne and your liquor : first , put your corne in the vessell , and adde so much of your fat liquor vnto it as will couer the same . And if the corne drinke it vp , then adde more liquor thereunto : and the onely feare in this worke , is least if you ouercharge your corne with water , that the water will rather draw the strength from the corne , then the corne draw strength from the water

And thus I haue discouered the true vse of all imbibitions : which haue hitherto been confirmed by some , and condemned by others , each seuerall man reporting according to his owne experience . But the errours may from henceforth be easily preuented by a carefull obseruation of these few rules alreadie deliuered in as plaine and simple a maner ( as respecting the generall good , which was the primum mobile of this Discourse ) I could possibly deuise or publish .

Heere I thinke it not impertinent to our purpose to set downe seuerall means for the enriching of ground , the trials whereof , by way of imbibition , I referre to each mans patticular experience .

Sea Kilpes and sea Tangle , and other sea weeds are found by experience to enrich both arable and pasture grounds exceedingly . Shreds of woollen cloth strewed vpon pasture ground will bring forth grasse abundantly .

The dregs of beere and ale applyed to the rootes of trees , and other smaller plants , will make them flourish and prosper mightilie , Seeds steeped in brine , proportioned according to Sea water , which consisteth of one part salte , and eyghteene or twentie parts water , wil in diuers grounds procure a good encrease .

The Soote of Chimnies , both ingendred by Sea-coale , as also by wood and charcoale in a very small quantitie , worketh great effects this way .

There is a salte which the Petermen vpon the refining of their Peter , doe separate from the Peter , this salte ( if I be not deceiued ) is the salte purchased from the ashes , vpon which the Petermen powre their foggie liquors to cleere them ; one worke ( vnles it be a great one ) doth not yeelde much aboue a bushell thereof weekely : this salte I take to be a trew vegetable salte , and therefore exceeding profitable , either to be strewed vpon grounds to be mixed amongst the seede corne , or for imbibition .

Shauings of horne , vpon mine owne experience , I must of necessitie commend , by the meanes whereof , I obtained a most flourishing garden at Bishops hall , in a most barren and vnfruitfull plot of ground , which none of my Predecessors could euer grace or beautifie either with knots or flowres .

I haue had the like experience with singular good successe by strewing the waste sope ashes vpon a border of sommer Barlie , whereof three eares would haue counterpeized any fiue that euer came to my sight : you may see a plentifull discourse of these sope ashes in my booke of husbandrie .

Some commend greatly the watering of ground presently after it is sowne , with an artificial Brine , consisting of an eyghteenth or twentith part of salte : this is performed by a hogshed or some other such like vessell drawne vpon a sled , hauing one of the heads boared full of small hoales like a watring pot .

The residence or grounds of the Oad fat , serue also to enrich ground with .

Malte dust may heere also challenge his place : for foure or fiue quarters thereof , are sufficient for an acre of ground .

The hulles which are diuided from the Oates , in the making of Oatmeale , either in their owne present nature , or being burnt to ashes , make an excellent substance for enriching of ground . Fearne either rotted to dung by a mixture of earth amongst it , or consumed with fire into ashes , maketh a singular soile to lay vpon barren and hungrie grounds .

When the Iron stone or oare is burnt , those fine ashes that are sifted from the same , doe proue a most excellent substance for the enriching of wet meadowes , or Marish groundes , especiallie such as are rushie , slaggie , or sedgie , and will bring the same to a fine sweete grasse : you shall finde the ground euery yeare better than other , with a manifest and apparant difference betweene that parcell of your ground which you haue enriched therewith , and all the rest of the same field , both by the glorious greene colour which it carrieth , and also by the delight of the cattell continuallie feeding thereon , and refusing the other till that be spent . There is plentie of this matter to be had in Sussex , Essex , Wales , and such other shires wherein there hath been any long continuance of yron workes , and those hils which consist of this matter are worth the breaking vp , though they be auncient and haue lien long vncouered ; but the best and hartiest , is that which hath been kept alwaies couered and defended from the raine : this kinde of soyle is also good for wheate ground , and three loades thereof are a sufficient proportion for one acre : and if you intend the same for grasse , you must spread it vpon the ground about alhallountide . The light of this secret I receiued from a Yorkeshire Gentleman , a man both of great gifts and great possessions , who assured me of three yeares triall made by himselfe with very good successe , whose opinion is , that three loads thereof will enrich one acre of ground for seuen yeeres at the least .

Sal Armoniake being a volatile salt , first incorporated and rotted in common earth , is thought to be a rich molde to plant or set in ( quaere of steeping graine in water , hauing a trew proportion thereof first dissolued in it ) but he that can proue so fortunate as to finde out the trew Sal Armoniake of mettall , shall be able with small quantitie to worke great wonders in this kinde .

Dogges and Cats , and other beastes , and generally all carrion buried vnder the rootes of Trees , in a due time will make them flourish and bring forth fruite in great abundance .

The residence or grounds of the Oad fat , serue also to enrich ground with .

Malte dust may heere also challenge his place : for foure or fiue quarters thereof , are sufficient for an acre of ground .

Dogges and Cats , and other beastes , and generally all carrion buried vnder the rootes of Trees , in a due time will make them flourish and bring forth fruite in great abundance .

Here I cannot omit a strange secret deliuered by a Gentleman of good worth vnto mee , euen before this worke was fullie perfected , which I haue reserued for the conclusion of this title . Hee assured mee of a gentleman , at this present dwelling in Cornewall , who being very industrious , and searching into the workes of Nature , would needes attempte the sowing of Wheate in his arable groundes , being of such kinde , nature and qualitie , as was meerely repugnant and vnfit for that graine , as the experience of the greatest part of the Countrie round about him did manifestly declare . And this he performed onely by infusing his seede corne foure and twentie houres in a strong liquor , that had descended from his muck-heape into a receptacle of bricke : but he neuer infused his corne ( as I am informed ) till the liquor had been of two yeares date , and he alwaies dried his corne before he sowed it : quaere if in lesse time and without drying , the same effects will not follow .

CHAP. 7. How to make choice of your seed corne .

SVch corne as is rubbed betweene ones hands out of the middle of the eare , the vpper and neather part therof being first diuided , I hold ( with Bap. Porta ) to be the most fruitfull seed of all the rest , and that the hand , though it bee a more labour-some worke , doth performe this better than the flaile , which maketh no diuision of the graine , and yet bruiseth a great part thereof by the violence of the stroke . But if your threshed wheat content you , then is it best either to picke each corne by it selfe , and so to diuide the good from the bad ( which is a fit worke for children , and may the rather be endured , for that so small a proportion of seed will serue to set an acre , viz. 12. pintes thereof , if each graine be at siue inches distance , as some haue obserued ) or els to powre your corne into a tubbe of water , stirring it vp and downe , whereby the best and heauiest cornes will sinke to the bottome , and the lightest graine will fleete and flote in the toppe , which may easily be seuered . I know no other meanes seruing for the choice of your seed corne , sauing those which are so vsuall and common ; as that they deserue no place amongst new inuentions , and therefore I do here aduisedly omit to touch or name them .

CHAP. 8. The difference of yeeld betweene the plough and the spade , with some new addition to the plough .

HE that reapeth foure quarters of wheate out of one acre by his plough , doth hold himselfe well contented , as with a rich croppe , which is eight at the least for one . I know the greatest number do scarcely attaine seuen for one , and many but six for one : but if he haue ten or twelue for one , then hee acknowledgeth himselfe to haue receiued an extraordinary fauour and blessing from the heauens : yet ( because both happily , and by credible report it is come to my hands ) I will heere set downe one rare experiment perfourmed this last yeare with the plough , wherein no doubt the Actor did striue euen in the strength of his wit and spirit to make the best imitation which he could of the spade . The ground hauing a naturall declining or descent by his owne scituation , was first crosse ploughed with a very deepe cutting plough , and then ploughed ouer the third time with a shallow plough , that made very close & narrow furrowes ; then was the seede sowne by a skilfull sower , and then harrowed ouer ; and by this newe practise the owner obtained 15. quarters ( I dare not say 20. ) vpon each acre which hee sowed . I doe not cite this strange & admirable experiment , either to ouerthrow the whole frame of my former worke , by vndermining the foundation thereof , or to hinder the labours of so many thousands of poore and distressed people , which by digging and setting are like to be profitably employed in this land by meanes of the spade ( whose estates with all Christian commiseration I doe pitie , and am willing to relieue ) but professing all the good I can , and by all the meanes that I may , to aduaunce the common good of the whole realme , & knowing that if this new practise of digging by good successe thereof do happen to become generall in and ouer the whole land , notwithstanding the realme be populous , & surcharged with infinite numbers of poore men , women , and children , and maimed souldiers , that yet there will scarcely be found workemen enough for the tenth acre of land : I say , for the better increase of all such grounds where the plough must of necessitie be vsed , I was bold to insert this inuentition , to supply the defect of labourers , which otherwise of necessitie would ensue . And yet if I may beleeue those infinite reports , which are now with open trumpet sounded into each mans eare , in commendation of the spade , there will be no comparison betweene the plough & it , though all men would ioyne all their wits together for the better furtherance thereof ; out of many of which reports , I will only remember these few .

A Iustice of Peace & Quorum of my acquaintance , dwelling in Essex , and desirous to make a triall of that wonderfull experience , so commended at the Court of Requests barre by a Counseller , who had seene the same the sommer before , would needs set a parcell of ground with his owne hands , as soon as he came from Michaelmasse tearme last to his house : in Aprill the same began to shew verie greene and full of blade , and in haruest time each corne brought forth at the least 27. eares , some 30. and some 32. with fortie graines in each eare , whose proportion is at the least a thousand for one . For the truth of which report , I dare gage my credit , I know the Gentleman to be so temperate and well aduised of his speech .

I doe heare of another Gentleman dwelling in Surrey , who hath reaped 16 bushels out of one pint of wheat which he set , and that some cornes brought forth 40. & some 48. eares hauing 66.68 . & 72. cornes in each eare , I could name the Gent. dwelling , & place of the triall , but this which I speake I dare warrant to be true , hauing good ground of credit for the same .

In Northamptonshire there grew barlie this last summer , amongst the which there was found some rootes hauing 120. eares vpon one roote , with thirtie graines at the least in each eare .

I haue also heard by sundry reports of 20.30 . & 32. quarters of wheat vpon an acre , & of 15. quarters of barly vpon an acre ; yea there haue been some which haue reported , that they haue had 15. quarters of wheat vpon one acre by this maner of setting , the ground being spent and out of heart by often plowing before .

And if I should report all the seueral trials that haue beene made by seueral persons , aswel of the Nobility as others , within these two last yeares , I should both weary my selfe with recording , and you with reading such infinit numbers of practises as I could produce , sed ex his reliqua .

I wil here either borrow leaue , or commend without leaue , a new , light and portable Pumpe , being of late graced with her Maiesties most fauorable priuiledge , which I am bold to publish , together with this artificial husbandry , because I know no better means to giue a publike notice thereof vnto all my country men then by this pamphlet , which taking the wings of fame vnto it , is like to disperse both it selfe and his companion abroad in a most speedy and sodaine manner through all this litle Iland . This Pump is of wood , & moueable from place to place by one mans labour : it is kept with verie small charge in good reparations : it is cheape , and deliuereth great store of water in a little time by his double stroke to a reasonable height ; it occupieth small roome ; it serueth to emptie Cellers and ponds ; it is verie necessarie for all merchants ships , and other ships of warre , whereby all superfluous water may bee safely conueied out at the neather port-holes in a great leake happening by fight , or otherwise . But the most generall , vse thereof ( as I take it ) will bee for all those stately houses and buildings which border vpon the riuer of Thames , or any other riuer , whereby they may receiue sufficient store of water to serue all their offices and gardens belonging to the same . You may heare farther of the Authour of this Inuention by the Printer hereof .

H. PLAT Esquire .